Are you the Chief Elf in your family? You know, the one who makes all the holiday magic happen this time of year? If you are, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Here are some suggestions to make the season go more smoothly and for you to carve out some peace and joy for yourself.
First Things First
Take a quiet moment to jot down your plan for this holiday season. What is your ultimate goal? What do you hope to create and accomplish with your efforts? What does this season mean to you? What do you want to provide your family with and why?With that north star in mind, you can move forward confidently with your work. Look back frequently on your goals and your reasons for doing this work to ensure you’re keeping priorities straight.
Once you know what you’re aiming for, you can take the most important step of establishing your budget. What will you allocate for gifts, entertaining, holiday fun, decor, and travel? If you find your funds are short of the things you want to do, simplify your purchase, pare things down, and remember the spirit of the season. You don’t have to spend a fortune or go into debt to have a lovely Christmas.
Set the Calendar
The calendar can fill up quickly this time of year. If there are special events that are important to you or activities you want to share with your family, make sure you make your arrangements early and block out that time on your calendar. If you’re planning on traveling, get your reservations in order and make the arrangements you’ll need for your home, your pets, plants, and work.Make Your Lists
An elf without a list is lost. Make a gift list, including not just your immediate family and close friends but also people like your children’s teachers and coaches, the mail carrier, sanitation workers, and house cleaner. Budget specific amounts for each recipient to be sure to stay on track, and keep a running ideas list going that you can add to as inspiration strikes.In addition to a gift list, think through any meals, dishes, or cookies you’ll be preparing and jot down the associated grocery list you’ll need for each. Included here should also be your Thanksgiving grocery list.
Declutter
It’s a great time of year to clean out the closets, the kids’ toys, the garage, and anywhere else clutter may have gathered throughout the year. Make way for a clean slate before you decorate and before lots of new gifts make their arrival. As you go, you may discover items that need to be replaced or repaired before the festivities begin, so add those tasks to your list. Is there ever a year when you don’t need new Christmas lights?Christmas Cards
If you’re taking a photo and sending a festive card to all of your family and friends, it’s time to make that happen. Check your address list, buy stamps, take the photo, order your cards, print your labels, and send them out. Mail them just after Thanksgiving so your loved ones can enjoy them all season long and so you don’t have that task hanging over you when things kick into high gear.Gift Shopping
Allow your list to make things easy as you go about fulfilling your shopping list. Use online tools and coupons to make the most of your budget and be careful not to fall into the trap of browsing online aimlessly. If shopping in person by yourself, shop in the earliest possible morning hours on weekdays if possible. If shopping with friends and family, make it a fun outing that will bring joy to your season.Travel Prep
Traveling during this time of year calls for advanced preparation. Get those suitcases packed, make sure you’ve got all documentation up to date, confirm all reservations, and think through the small details far in advance of your departure. It’s too busy a time to leave these things to the last minute.Christmas Fun
As the season gets going, enjoy the simple pleasures with your family, like decorating the house, baking cookies, driving around looking at lights, watching Christmas movies, seeing Christmas shows, attending a tree lighting ceremony, working your way through an advent calendar, gathering with loved ones, and offering charity to those in need.Being the Chief Elf may not be the easiest job, but it can be a lot of fun and it’s the source of the magic that everyone holds dear. With some organization and enough advanced planning, you can enjoy the peace and joy of Christmas, too.
